Click here to view Phil Mingo's full photo album from the game between Sandford and Heathcoat

HEATHCOAT went to the top of the pile in the Premier Division when they defeated Sandford by eight wickets in the derby clash at Creedy Park.

Sandy Allen and Richard Foan both made half-centuries in Sandford’s all-out total of 161.

Opener Allen faced 123 balls for his 60 runs. He was eighth out with the score on 152. Skipper Foan made 53 off 77 balls and shared a stand of 74 for the third wicket with Allen.

Chris Simpson (14) was the only other batsman to reach double figures.

Heathcoat’s Jack Menheneott (4-32) vacuumed Sandford’s middle order. Callum French (1-26) and Jamie Drew (10-3-17-0) gave little or nothing away.

Heathcoat openers Rob Holman and Peter Randerson put on 127 for the first wicket to end the game as a contest.

Randerson, standing in as an opener, went for 58, which left Holman (67no) too see it though with French and Liam Lewis.

Victory took Heathcoat past Paignton into top spot. Sandford dropped behind Plymouth to fourth bottom.

Jackson Thompson, the Heathcoat captain, reminded his team that it remains way to early to be talking about lifting a first Premier title.

“With our win, and other results, we now find ourselves where we want to be in the table,” said Thompson.

“However, we want to keep approaching one game at a time and not look too far ahead. It is another 'inch' forward towards our goal.”

Thompson said as the pitch was in good condition despite the bad weather ahead of the match, he had been relaxed about winning the toss.

“It was a good toss to win for us, but I firmly believe we would have excelled even if batting first,” said Thompson.

“The 'imperious' Holman was excellent again and in his customary style carried his bat through in the chase.

“I was particularly impressed by Pete Randerson, firstly for taking up the challenge to open the batting then delivering it in some style.

“Pete was solid, played to his strengths and was a perfect foil for Holman. The two complimented each other well to chase the runs down and made the pitch look flat when there was actually something in it for the bowlers.”

Foan was far less loquacious in his post-match summation.

“We were beaten by a better side,” said Foan.

“We fought hard with the bat and the ball. Unfortunately, Heathcoat just played a lot better then us.”